Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers today
announced the formation of the Public Service and Trust
Commission, a diverse panel of forty-one individuals charged
with creating a strategic plan that will guide the Judicial
Branch in the upcoming years. The Commission will be chaired by
Appellate Court Judge Alexandra DiPentima.

This initiative is another
measure taken by the Chief Justice to fulfill her vision of an
open, transparent, and accountable judiciary.

In preparing
the strategic plan, the Commission has been asked to:

Examine public perceptions
of our state judicial system,

Conduct scientifically-valid
opinion research to determine the level of satisfaction of
people who use the court system,

Hold public hearings
throughout the state to obtain citizen in-put; and

Conduct focus groups of
court personnel, lawyers, and others who are involved with
the court system.

The Strategic Plan, once
concluded, will include a vision for the future of the Judicial
Branch, a revised mission statement, and specific and measurable
outcome goals – strategies and activities that will enable the
Branch to carry out its mission and achieve its vision.

“I am delighted to announce the
formation of the Public Service and Trust Commission and look
forward to receiving their proposed strategic plan,” said Chief
Justice Rogers. “For the plan to be relevant, it must focus on
the present and future needs of the people we serve. It is my
sincere hope that this plan will lead to improved services and
ultimately enhanced public trust.”

“The Chief Justice has tasked the
Commission with a daunting mission, but I am confident that we
will be successful,” said Judge DiPentima. “The Commission is
comprised of a diverse group of talented individuals with a wide
breadth of knowledge and experience and I thank them for
devoting their time and energy to this important endeavor.”